1
as in to commence
to take the first step in (a process or course of action)
she began walking to work for exercise
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to start
to come into existence
the storm began late in the day and lasted all night
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to establish
to be responsible for the creation and early operation or use of
the religious sect was begun by a small breakaway faction
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of begin
The previous agreement, which began in 2015 and runs until 2027, marked Juventus’ departure from Nike.
—
Jessica Hopkins, New York Times, 19 June 2025
The storm, which is set to begin Saturday afternoon and last through Sunday morning, is expected to produce significant snowfall above 6,000 feet and as much as 4 inches in valley areas.
—Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 June 2025
The Israeli military says more than 400 rockets and hundreds of drones have been launched at Israeli territory since the conflict began.
—Rebecca Rosman, NPR, 19 June 2025
Entering the homestretch, Journalism poked his head in front as Rodriguez began to fall back.
—John Cherwa, Los Angeles Times, 7 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for begin
Jessica Hopkins, New York Times, 19 June 2025
The storm, which is set to begin Saturday afternoon and last through Sunday morning, is expected to produce significant snowfall above 6,000 feet and as much as 4 inches in valley areas.
—Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 June 2025
The Israeli military says more than 400 rockets and hundreds of drones have been launched at Israeli territory since the conflict began.
—Rebecca Rosman, NPR, 19 June 2025
Entering the homestretch, Journalism poked his head in front as Rodriguez began to fall back.
—John Cherwa, Los Angeles Times, 7 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for begin
Recent Examples of Synonyms for begin
Verb
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The Carabao Cup will begin in mid-August, with Premier League teams not playing in Europe entering in the second round, which starts in the week commencing August 25, and the remaining seven clubs receiving a bye to the third round, which takes place in the weeks commencing September 15 and 22.—
Jessica Hopkins,
New York Times,
18 June 2025
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These delays at the ISA, in turn, have frustrated corporate actors, like The Metals Company (TMC), which are keen to commence commercial-scale operations in international waters.—
Time,
Time,
17 June 2025
Verb
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Iran had been in negotiations with the US for about two months, but called them off after Israel started bombing its territory.—
Sara Braun,
Fortune,
22 June 2025
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As per Sarah Langs of MLB.com, his 11 hitless innings to start his career broke the MLB record for a starting pitcher.—
Daniel R. Epstein,
Forbes.com,
21 June 2025
Verb
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Of the five that made the cut, the Yankees, Tigers and Cubs have the best statistical odds, establishing themselves among a clear group of favorites that have begun to coalesce at the top of the rankings midway through the season.—
Neil Paine,
New York Times,
17 June 2025
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An effort to establish a library district in La Grange Park failed after a referendum was defeated in the late 1950s, according to media reports from 50 years ago.—
Hank Beckman,
Chicago Tribune,
17 June 2025
Verb
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What to do instead Instead of credit cycling, consumers may be better served by asking their card issuer for a higher credit limit, opening a new credit card account or spreading payments over more than one card, Rossman said.—
Greg Iacurci,
CNBC,
14 June 2025
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That left Nesmith on Gilgeous-Alexander to open the possession.—
Anthony Slater,
New York Times,
14 June 2025
Verb
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Goldsberry, who originated the role of Angelica Schuyler, confirmed that the HamFam quickly slipped back into their roles during rehearsals.—
Angelique Jackson,
Variety,
9 June 2025
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Sunrise on the Reaping, which includes Elle Fanning as Effie Trinket (originated by Elizabeth Banks) and Ralph Fiennes as President Snow (originated by the late Donald Sutherland).—
Natalie Oganesyan,
Deadline,
7 June 2025
Verb
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The proceedings were initiated following a complaint filed by La Liga, which joined the case as a private prosecutor.—
Guillermo Rai,
New York Times,
16 June 2025
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The beloved shortstop wanted to be in Boston for his entire career, and even initiated a team-friendly extension to further that dream.—
Gabrielle Starr,
Boston Herald,
16 June 2025
Verb
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Suddenly Flips First, in diversity of citizenship cases (as here), the federal courts will apply their own procedural rules but they are also required to apply the substantive rules of the state from where the action arises.—
Jay Adkisson,
Forbes.com,
21 June 2025
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The summer solstice occurs because of a 23.5 degree tilt in Earth's rotational axis that may have arisen when an ancient Mars-sized body slammed into our planet billions of years ago, triggering the formation of our moon.—
Anthony Wood,
Space.com,
20 June 2025
Verb
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Enslaved Black people were banned from reading and writing and even those who had their freedom couldn't always access formal schooling, so African Americans began founding colleges of their own.—
Deborah Barfield Berry,
USA Today,
20 June 2025
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Walmart, headquartered in Bentonville, founded the festival with inclusion in mind.—
Matthew Carey,
Deadline,
20 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Begin.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/begin. Accessed 25 Jun. 2025.
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